The University of Louisiana at Lafayette’s Dr. Ryan Teten and Ruben Henderson are recipients of this year’s 20 Under 40 Acadiana Leadership Award, which honors a diverse set of young adults who are making a difference in Acadiana.
The award is presented by The 705-Young Leaders for a Better Acadiana and The Daily Advertiser. The award is also sponsored by Capital One Bank, Cox Communications and Megan B. Photography.
A panel of community and industry leaders selected the 20 awardees based on career achievements, leadership roles, and community activism.
Teten, head of UL Lafayette’s Department of Political Science, has made student involvement in the political process a top priority. He introduces UL Lafayette students interested in government to community leaders, and has created numerous student opportunities for civic engagement on and off campus.
Teten developed the Future Leaders Internship Program, in which 10 UL Lafayette students work with the Louisiana Legislature in Baton Rouge during each legislative session. The interns assist senators and representatives in the State Capitol by researching topics related to legislation, writing briefs, and communicating with other legislators.
“It serves such a need in terms of providing service to the legislators, and is such an incredible experience for students that no other university in the state provides,” Teten explained.
Evan Boudreaux is a FLIP intern and one of Teten’s students. “The skills you learn here from professors like Dr. Teten set you up for success,” he said. “As a political science student, I know from taking his classes that I’m in the right field.”
Teten also coordinates a coveted student internship in Washington, D.C., with the office of U.S. Rep. Dr. Charles Boustany. Each semester, a UL Lafayette student has the opportunity to work as a legislative aide at the United States Capitol. Boustany’s office represents the 3rd Congressional District of Louisiana, which includes Lafayette.
Teten is a frequent political commentator for local newspaper columns and radio broadcasts, explaining the election season for the public much like he explains it to his students. He teaches introductory political science classes in addition to a variety of upper-level courses like campaigns and elections, the presidency, the effects of 9/11 on American life, Congress, and volatile issues in American politics.
Henderson is a 2008 UL Lafayette graduate who is building a professional career at his alma mater. While simultaneously pursuing a master’s degree in higher education, the assistant director of student activities works within the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, advising the University Program Council and acting as a liaison between the student body and UL Lafayette administrators.
“Being an involved student helped me a great deal in transitioning to a professional staff member at UL,” said Henderson, who organizes University events in collaboration with UPC, a student organization. He routinely advises students about opportunities to get involved.
Henderson is also the adviser for the Black Male Leadership Association, youth group director at his church, and an adviser for The Big Event, a community-wide day of volunteering.
As a UL Lafayette student, Henderson participated in organizations from all corners of campus, including the Student Government Association, business and marketing honor societies, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., and many community service projects, such as Up ’til Dawn, an event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Henderson’s leadership and volunteer experience laid the foundation for the work he does at UL Lafayette today.
“Ruben is the most determined individual I have ever met,” said Kirsten Harrison, a UPC executive board member. “He loves his students. He loves helping others. He loves his university.”
Written by Mary Cormaci
La Louisiane Student Editor
Photo by Megan B. Photography